Mt. Bulalo which is also known as Mak-Ban Geothermal Power Plant has an altitude of 1750ft. above sea level and located about 70 km southeast of Manila. The geothermal field lies beside the foot of Mt. Makiling and within the Macolod corridor, a 40-km wide “rift-like feature” that crosses the Luzon arc.
The name Mak-Ban comes from the two dormant volcanoes nearby: Makiling and Banahaw, though the power plant is much, more closer to Makiling than it is to Banahaw. Mak-Ban harnesses the geothermal energy located in the Bulalo Field, which is associated with Mt. Bulalo and Mt. Olilia, two smaller peaks located on the southeast flank of Mt. Makiling. The geothermal power plant is one of the two geothermal plant in the Philippines that supplies power to a large portion of Luzon.
The summit can be reached in 20-30 mins. hike that passes through a cemented road on a 500 ft. altitude gain from the guard house (the whole vicinity is a private property owned by Philippine Geothermal). A strong putrid smell of sulfuric gases is also present along the trail. Strong gush of wind and cool breeze will welcome you on the summit that is composed of open grassland and a grotto, thus making it a favorite retreat during Lenten season. A rewarding view of nearby town of Sto. Tomas, Batangas together with the iconic Napocor power grid tower that passes across Mt. Bulalo can also be seen from the view deck.
How to Get There:
1. From Bay, Laguna ride a jeep bound to Bitin.
2. The jump off point is beside the Bitin Catholic Chuch, ask the locals for direction.
Boss hindi mo inabot and View House
ReplyDeleteHi Sir, nun nagpunta po ako last 2016 hindi ko napansin if may view house. based s mga nkita ko s mga pics ngaun prang laki ng pinagbago ng place. thanks.
DeleteWorked on this many years ago and wondered if it was still going, as it doesn't get mentioned in press. Nice to see that the plants are still producing low carbon power to Luzon after 40 years or so. Is it seen by locals as a good thing?? I recall ther was some opposition when it was being built.
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